I think I'm still in the food coma...F&W Weekend Solo Trip -White Truffle Lunch 11/24

[Dis_Yoda]

Table of Content

October 31st
California Grill Omakase Meal

November 1st
Whispering Canyon Cafe
Hollywood Brown Derby
Territory Lounge
Club Cool
Spirits Confidential - Part 1
Spirits Confidential - Part 2

November 2nd
Festival Center Demos
Party of the Senses

November 3rd
Cape May Cafe
White Truffle Lunch

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[Dis_Yoda]

California Grill Omakase Meal

I arrived at the Contemporary with 45 minutes to spare before my 8:00PM reservation. I was honestly too tired from being at work at 6AM to wander too much so I headed to the bar for a drink.

Sake Martini

I felt this was a great choice for the meal I was about to enjoy.

At 8:00PM, my pager still hadn't gone off to be seated so I headed to the front desk. They weren't quite ready for us yet - and we weren't seated until about 8:10. They seat you right at the sushi counter. As there were only three of us enjoying the meal that evening, we were right next pick up counter & everyone had a great view of the chef as he prepared our courses.

Yes, it says Wednesday when its really Thursday

Place Setting

We were all poured a glass of sake to begin our meal.

Sparkling Sake

This was a sweeter sake that was very light.

Our chef for the evening began with introductions & started on the first course:

Spiced Pork Pot Sticker in fragrant fish broth, rice noodles, & wakame

The pork belly flavor was a little lost to the flavors on the outside of the pot sticker and the flavorful broth. The seaweed salad along with the rice noodles held up well.

The second course was by far one of my favorites of the night:

Amaebi Tempura (Sweet Shrimp) w/ Warm Rice Cake, Micro Wasibi & Ponzu Sauce
The rice cake included about 4 other ingredients that aren't listed. It hit every single note on your tongue while enjoying it. The shrimp was cooked perfectly

Third Course:

Tuna Toro Nigiri & Signature Soy Glaze

This cut of the tuna was from the area our chef described as "the pork belly of tuna" The tuna was hearty and truly didn't need the aid of the soy glaze.

Fourth Course:

Salmon Crudo w/ Subarashii Pears, Soy Pearls, Citrus & Cucumber Blooms

This plate was awesome to see being placed together. The soy pearls hit your palette similar to the way fish eggs are used in sushi. It was an extremely light dish that helped clear your palette for the upcoming courses.

Fifth Course:

Edamame Bowl w/ Togarashi, Bonito Flakes & Citrus Zest

The spices used to coat the outside of the pods along with the saltiness of the bonito flakes provided a better way to get me to eat edamame. Usually its so boring but I enjoyed these pods.

Sixth Course:

"Legs & Eggs" Maine Lobster w/ Tobiko & Wasabi Cream
The meat on this sushi was pulled from the tiny legs of the lobster. This is when we were also told we would be enjoying about half a lobster a piece if we were to eat everything over the night. I'm not sure my stomach was going to be able to handle all of that with everything else we were going to be given.

The sushi was nicely done. The meat was very tender and sweet.

Our chef let us know it was intermission time & we were encouraged to enjoy the fireworks on the observation deck as our next course wasn't going to be served until after they were completed.

More Intermission Photos Can Be Seen Here

Squid Salad

The squid in the salad portion was mixed with lobster meat and some asian vegetables. This was topped with the meat of one claw. I'm not the biggest squid fan but this was really well balanced together.

Tako (Octopus) Nigiri w/ Eel Sauce

California Grill has tried to go towards being sustainable but the chef stated they are going against that to bring in the eel for a limited time for the reopening. It may be going away soon. This course feel flat with me. The octopus was super tough that there was no way for me to try to eat the sushi & still look like a person thats eating a tasting menu.

Crunchy Japanese Bone Marrow w/ Sesame Beef Tartare & Red Onion Marmalade

This portion was HUGE, especially for being the 9th course of a 13th course meal. The tartare melted in your mouth and I loved the hints of mango throughout. The marrow was encrusted with panko and super tender inside. I wish I could have eaten more but I left half of it behind as I knew I had 4 more courses to follow.

Tuna Tempura Malibu w/ Sesame Dressing

There were two types of tuna - some in the roll as well as some on top. This is an exact copy of the roll that the sushi chef used to make at the previous California Grill. This is when I knew I was in trouble food wise. The other lady as the counter with me and I requested to have smaller portions for the next few courses if I wanted any chance of being able to enjoy them.

Spicy Crusted Oysters w/ Tempura Mango & fresh Citrus Wasabi

This was very spicy! I took some of the tempura crunch on the bottom and mixed it on top of the oyster before digging in. I guess I like oysters when Disney does them just not much in the real world.

"Surf & Turf" Seared Wagyu Beef w/ Lobster, Mushrooms, & Wasabi Tobiko Aioli

The lobster was inside of the roll with the beef layered on top. What I got to taste of it, I enjoyed but my stomach was filled at this point that I could only eat one.

Mango & Coconut Rice Pudding w/ Hibiscus Syrup

In order to eat this, we were instructed to break the 'yolk' of mango and mix it together ourselves. This made it taste exactly like the mango drink at Yak & Yeti (and this is what the chef said they meant for it to taste like) What I loved about it was that it was extremely light and a great way to end such a food intensive meal. I wish I could have finished it but I had to call it quits about a third of the way through.

This meal was amazing. What I would do if I do this in the future is not eat that day or if I do eat, it will only be an extremely light salad to fuel for the day. I had made the mistake of going out for lunch with a coworker & had two slices of pizza while also having the halloween party at work at 2:00PM where I had some caramel apple & half a cupcake. Had I know the portions were going to be that large, I wouldn't have enjoyed those snacks.


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[Dis_Yoda]

Whispering Canyon Cafe

I checked in shortly before the 7:30AM opening and was seated as soon as it turned 7:30.

My server was super sweet. No antics this morning for the tables checked in at opening. When I made a joke about needing lots of caffeine, she brought out two Coke Zeros for me.

It didn't take long for my entree to come out.

Chocolate Chip Pancakes w/ Bacon

This was 3 very large pancakes with two strips of bacon. The pancakes were good but there was no way I could finish all of that. I think I finished maybe 1. The bacon was eh but what am I to expect from Disney bacon?

My server brought me out a to go Coke Zero without even asking. I would totally return to WCC for breakfast if I was staying at Wilderness Lodge.

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[wiigirl]

Following along!

 

[Disnut4925]

The omakase looks amazing! Thanks for posting!

 

[Partridge]

I am so very in, what a fabulous start to a review!

The omakase looks absolutely breathtaking. I hope it's going to stick around for awhile, that is something that's right up my alley. I'd go for the marrow bone alone.

 

[Mikka]

Someone finally reviewed the omakase! I'm so happy... I got a promise from my mom that we'll do that next trip down there.

It does seem really expensive, with you only getting one glass of sake, but... at the same time, that's a lot of good food. A full half of a lobster? Goodness. I wouldn't be able to eat it all, either, I don't think.

 

[Briarmom]

 

[Dis_Yoda]

Following along!

Thanks for joining along here!

The omakase looks amazing! Thanks for posting!

It really was amazing. I'm so happy I got to experience it while it was still new.

I am so very in, what a fabulous start to a review!

The omakase looks absolutely breathtaking. I hope it's going to stick around for awhile, that is something that's right up my alley. I'd go for the marrow bone alone.

I had entirely too much good food during this trip. Its been a disappointing week so far since getting home as I haven't been eating anywhere near as fun.

The food was presently beautifully here. It was great seeing the chef put the plates together as the skillful way he put them together is way better than anything I could have done if I tried.

Someone finally reviewed the omakase! I'm so happy... I got a promise from my mom that we'll do that next trip down there.

It does seem really expensive, with you only getting one glass of sake, but... at the same time, that's a lot of good food. A full half of a lobster? Goodness. I wouldn't be able to eat it all, either, I don't think.

I'm glad I got to experience the omakase while it was still new. You'll enjoy it once you get to try it your next trip. I won't get to try it again until I do my next solo trip whenever that is - so sometime in 2015. (I have our anniversary trip in Feb, a 'run'cation in May, the cruise in Sept & a F&W weekend in October)

I actually got two glasses of the sake but I'm not sure if thats because they opened a bottle & needed to finish it off or if thats the usual thing.

The amount of food was well worth the money though especially considering the quality of some of the ingredients.

Thanks for joining in! Great to see you here.

 

[Dis_Yoda]

Hollywood Brown Derby

I had all intentions of eating at the lounge. When I reached the lounge, I found out they actually don't start service until noon. I had 2 options - either find something to do for 30 minutes or just go inside the restaurant & eat. As I was kinda tired from the lack of sleep, I didn't feel like walking around anymore. I decided to see if I could walk into the Brown Derby for lunch.

I had no issues with walking in. In fact, they were in the middle of opening the restaurant for the day.

I was seated at a two top right next to the entrance & it didn't take long for my server to stop by for the drink order. I went for the margarita trio.

It didn't take long for this to arrive along with the freshly baked rolls with the butter with fennel & sea salt.

The margaritas were decent but didn't seem very strong.

For my entree, I went with one of the lunch specials.

'Original' Fettuccine Alfredo w/ Grilled Chicken

This was great. I love a decent fettuccine alfredo & have missed the one that used to be available at EPCOT before Tutto Italia took over. This was very similar to what I remember. The chicken was cooked well.

I went for dessert as well since I had skipped getting an appetizer. I still hadn't gotten the text message that my room was ready so I was also trying to buy some time.

Banana-White Chocolate Mousse

This portion was huge! It was different than the last version I had a few years ago but I love the toffee bits throughout the mousse.

This was a great leisurely lunch. My server knew I wasn't in much of a hurry so she paced it accordingly. She also was super friendly & chatty. Between the service I got, and the great food, I think we will be returning our next trip.
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[Dis_Yoda]

Territory Lounge

At 4:30PM, I headed to Territory Lounge for a light meal as I wasn't sure how much food was going to be available at the liquor event that evening. The lounge was empty outside of some business guests. I ordered my drink and my meal & it wasn't long until they both arrived.

Red Stag & Lemonade

(I was going to a hard liquor event - might as well keep to the liquor)

Pinot Grigio Cheddar Fondue w/ Fruit and Bread

I loved this fondue. You could still get a hint of the wine while enjoying it but it wasn't overpowering as wine based fondues can be. The shear amount of bread and apples in that basket was more than enough to enjoy all the cheese!

The server was rather forgettable but it was early in the evening and I was just looking at being quick.

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[RGirl]

Joining in!

I am very intrigued by the Territory Lounge. I am thinking about a stay at WL whenever we return - would love to have the option to have a non-ADR meal at the Lounge!

 

[Dis_Yoda]

Joining in!

I am very intrigued by the Territory Lounge. I am thinking about a stay at WL whenever we return - would love to have the option to have a non-ADR meal at the Lounge!

Thanks for joining in on this report!

It is a great non-ADR meal. I can see myself returning on a VWL stay in the future on a lazy night.

 

[Dis_Yoda]

Club Cool

The first place I had on my agenda before checking for the event was to visit Club Cool before it closed at 7PM. I had read on DisneyFoodBlog a few days prior that they were officially changing over the flavors right before my trip.

I didn’t try the flavors that stayed from the old batch – no need to try Beverly or VegaByte for me.

The Greece Fanta Pineapple was eh. I had Pineapple Fanta previously in my life during foreign travels so it was nothing new.

The Thailand Fanta Melon was good – but not as good as my beloved China Watermelon.

The South African Bibo & Zimbabwe Sparaletta were decent drinks but again not really exciting for me as I had spent time in that area of the world while in college and had enjoyed them back then. Now I get to remember my time there.

Inca Kola from Peru is here in Naples at some area restaurants – so again nothing exciting.

The Brazil Kuat was something new. Not something I would have to drink but something I would enjoy on occasion.

What I do like about this new selection is that 6 of the options are ones I have a desire to drink on various visits & won’t tend to just drink 1 or 2 particular flavors only.


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[Dis_Yoda]

Spirits Confidential - Part 1
Check in went smoothly. I was able to show my ID & get my wrist band for my reserved seating. I was told they wouldn’t start seating for another 30 minutes or so & were told to walk around the world showcase. I went out to the table outside and reviewed the menu in the light.

I was not expecting there to be as much food as there was listed on the event. At first, I wasn’t too thrilled with how the menu read as it just seemed like boring bar food. Then I realized it was going to be a little more upscale bar food which helped change my opinion. There was going to be a fair amount of alcohol to try but I knew I probably was not going to be able to try everything I wanted if I wanted any chance of getting home.

Realizing that the crowds were frankly horrible around EPCOT as it was a Friday Evening & the locals were out. I decided to just head back inside the Showplace and wait it out inside playing on my phone rather than dealing with those crowds.

One of the ladies I’ve known from the Dis over the years (ImprovGal) was on the other side of the rope. We chatted a bit until it was time for the reserved guests to be let in. I noted that the ‘bullpin’ for the non-reserved guests did seem very light but figured maybe a crowd was coming and they were going to show up closer to the start time.

I was the first table in the front row of the reserved section. The area used for this seating is the same part they use for the Wine View Lounge. They had a full mix bar, cheese station, signature cocktail station and then a place to get our own shot glass at with the signature Maker’s Mark.

Once I was seated, I headed to my favorite hard alcohol to get some of their drinks and then headed to get some food before the main crowd was going to show up.

Here is when I’m going to separate out my review between the food, the alcohol, the game, the reserved seating and the entertainment.

Lets start with the alcohol!

Alcohol

I would be lying if I said the alcohol wasn’t the main focus of this event. There was a lot of the hard stuff to be had. Some of it was boring every day selections. Others were new to me or available in flavors I hadn’t tried before. The problem was being able to pace oneself. I did end up leaving the event early as I knew if I drank anymore, I would be sick. I didn’t want to end up ill.

A shot of the 46 Maker’s Mark & the Signature Cocktail.
Maker’s Mark is my favorite hard liquor. This is what I started the evening with as I know what I like & I wanted to be sober enough to remember it.

Jim Beam’s Devil’s Cut - Dancing with the Devil & my special shot glass

When the host from the table told me he hoped I liked a kick in my drink when I tried this. He was not kidding. It had a kick. I liked it with the wings but I’m not sure I would go for it by itself.

Jacob’s Ghost White Cosmo
This was a decent light cocktail.

Selection of Pinnacle Vodka Available

Pinnacle Vodka – Peppermint Bark & Salted Caramel

I think I’ve been a little out of touch in the flavored vodka availability. I knew there were fruity flavors available but I didn’t realize how many different ones now exist. I usually just stick to Gray Goose or really good martinis. I am now in love with Salted Caramel vodka. I bought a bottle of it when I got home I liked it so much. (Mixed with club soda or with hot chocolate or coffee = bliss)

Cruzan Passion Fruit Punch
Non inspiring but I think I was drunk at this point.

Host of Tequila Table

Margarita & Elderflower Margarita
I had it earlier in the evening before the table got crowds. Both of these were good margaritas.

Food

I was overall happy with the food that was provided. The stations were repeated both at the front and the back of the event so there really weren’t ever any lines for the food.

Initial Plate of Goodies

Pasta Station

Reserved Section Cheese

I found this cute. I only got a little bit of cheddar from the table but I eat cheese enough at home.

Dessert Selection

Dessert Plate

I have no idea what cream puff was what flavor. Whatever purple was, was my favorite. I may have gone back for seconds or thirds of that one. The green was eh. The banana toffee cup was also one of my favorites for the evening.

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[Dis_Yoda]

Spirits Confidential - Part 2


Game

There was a single station that was centered around the “Throwdown Challenge”

Match the Spirits Aroma with the Spirit Brand.

I tried. You were given 60 seconds to try to get it right. I got 5 out of 8 correct but that meant I didn’t win a prize. I did do this game very early in the evening before I had tried some of the liquors but I figured it was going to get a line very quickly. (And boy was I right on that!)

Reserved Seating

This event was not busy enough for to warrant the reserved seating if the cost had been as high as it is for Party of the Senses. It was only 15 dollars more so I didn’t feel gipped. Being able to get into the event almost 20 minutes earlier than the general admission was also a significant advantage.

The one thing I didn’t like was that there were about 8 large 10 seater tables that were reserved for guests of the Jim Beam Company. I know they hosted this event and probably donated all the alcohol at the event. It made the reserved section pretty much have a lot of industry people rather than actual F&W Guests.

As I mentioned earlier, this event was not busy. I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a sad running of the bulls – if you wanted a place to sit – you would have easily been able to find something.

I did enjoy having a table next to the stage as I was able to watch the entertainment easily and without problems with my view. This was cute when we got to the ‘Confidential’ part of the evening.

The couple that sat at the table next to me kept staring at me. As I had been drinking, I probably made a strange face at them. They spoke up & told me I was a dead ringer for their daughter and it freaked them out. My mannerisms also reminded them of her as well. As they requested a photo, there is someone out there with a very strange drunk photo of me with a funky grin on my face. Hopefully that doesn’t bite me in the butt one day.

Entertainment

The entertainment was either the big band shown above or a very over the top blonde in a red dress that acted as the host.

In the middle of the event, she came to the stage & interviewed 6 of the higher ups in the companies visiting us this evening to give out ‘confidential’ family stories. Some of these ranged from the illegal smuggling during prohibition, production during prohibition, how grandma named Maker’s Mark or a lovely song sung to us by a Scottish man in a kilt.

Maker’s Mark Guy

Canadian Club Guy

Rum Guy

Scottish Guy

Jim Beam guy

Another Jim Beam guy

(Can you tell this event was sponsored by Jim Beam?)

Overall impression

I found this event to be a great value for the cost. I more than felt I got my 90 dollars worth even leaving the event early around 9:10PM. I would totally return next year if they do it again.



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[RGirl]

Wow - I must be totally out of the F&W loop! I have never heard of this event. It looks really fun.

I don't drink a lot of cocktails (I live in wine country) except on vacation, but Maker's Mark is definitely my favorite liquor too.

 

[Dis_Yoda]

Wow - I must be totally out of the F&W loop! I have never heard of this event. It looks really fun.

I don't drink a lot of cocktails (I live in wine country) except on vacation, but Maker's Mark is definitely my favorite liquor too.

This was the first year this event was available. I'm not sure if they are going to do it again as it wasn't very crowded but it was a great value & I would attend it again if they offer it next year. I wouldn't eat or drink anything before hand either.

I love cocktails but if I lived in Wine Country - I probably would tend to drink those more at home too. My husband doesn't enjoy wine that much so I don't drink much at home since if I open a bottle - I tend to want to finish it.

 

[Dis_Yoda]

Festival Center Demos

Ice Wine Seminar

They let us in right after noon & I was sat towards the front of the seminar even though I was one of the last ones in as I was by myself.

This was presented by Inniskillin. I’ve enjoyed Inniskillin in the past at Le Cellier so I figured this would be a good event for me.

Ice Wines Presented

Presenter

Wines

The presenter explained how they make icewine and how cold it has to be. If the temperature gets too high during harvest – the Canadian government will call it a missed harvest & not allow the wines to be sold. To me that seems really risky but it does usually stay at the right temperatures so its usually ok.

My favorite of the wines was the Cabernet Frac as it wasn’t as sweet but great richness to it.

b]Great Whiskey Debate[/b]

This was hosted by Jim Beam. In retrospect, I probably should have skipped this event as I had many of these liquors the day before at Spirits Confidential. This was a fun event though as the host had someone from each country of whiskey trying to get people to pick them as their favorite.

Host

Don’t 3 of these people look familiar from last night?

I think that might be the same kilt

They did keep getting louder as the event went on. My favorite of the 4 was the Scottish one.

Culinary Demo

This was the culinary demo by Piero Premoli who is the chef at Pricci in Atlanta.

This is the same dish he was serving at Party of the Senses so I was glad I saved myself from having to wait in line for that too.
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[RGirl]

All three demos look like a lot of fun! I'm so enjoying reading about these things. Thank you for sharing!

This was the first year this event was available. I'm not sure if they are going to do it again as it wasn't very crowded but it was a great value & I would attend it again if they offer it next year. I wouldn't eat or drink anything before hand either.

I love cocktails but if I lived in Wine Country - I probably would tend to drink those more at home too. My husband doesn't enjoy wine that much so I don't drink much at home since if I open a bottle - I tend to want to finish it.

Thanks for the info! I guess I'm not quite as out of the loop as I thought - if it had been available during the years we were traveling during F&WF (before we became slaves to the school calendar), I would probably have heard about it. Wouldn't have been able to do it, but would have heard about it and dreamed of doing it.